50 minutes agoKey events21 seconds agoCharges against Victorian health department dropped over quarantine8 minutes agoTen individuals impersonated patients during Victorian health minister’s visit to urgent care clinic33 minutes agoQueensland eliminates detention as a last resort for young offenders39 minutes agoPoliticians react to budget airline Bonza’s voluntary administration50 minutes agoChalmers highlights Australia-India relations despite spy revelations1 hour agoTreasurer Jim Chalmers hints at foreign investment modifications2 hours agoProgress made towards Australia’s inaugural offshore wind farm2 hours agoGood morning2 hours agoHousing prices continue to climb for the 15th consecutive month2 hours agoWelcomeFilters BETAKey events (10)Australia (11)Jim Chalmers (7)ABC News Breakfast (5)Queensland (4)Steven Miles (3)21 seconds ago18.58 EDTCharges against Victorian health department dropped over quarantine
Benita Kolovos
The Victorian health minister confirmed that public prosecutors have dismissed charges against the state’s Department of Health regarding its management of the hotel quarantine program that contributed to the state’s deadly second wave of Covid-19.
In September 2021, WorkSafe accused the Department of Health of 58 violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, alleging that the department failed to provide a safe work environment for its employees and neglected to ensure people were not exposed to health and safety risks.
Mary-Anne Thomas stated that the charges were dropped by the public prosecutions office yesterday:
I was informed that this occurred yesterday.
View image in fullscreenMelbourne during lockdown in February 2021. Photograph: Wayne Taylor/Getty ImagesShare4 minutes ago18.54 EDTBenita Kolovos
Victorian health minister addresses fake patients scandal
Continuing from our previous post: Mary-Anne Thomas mentioned that she has reflected on the visit and does not recall anything suspicious.
I frequently visit health facilities and witness the overwhelming demand for our health services. This is a known fact. However, I did not observe anything specific, and I had no reason to suspect any wrongdoing. It never occurred to me that a health facility would deceive a government minister in such a manner.
She noted that it is not customary to interact with patients during a tour:
The last thing they desire is a politician in their space, so I am very cautious and respectful of patient privacy. I avoid making eye contact or engaging with patients.
Thomas mentioned that it is now up to Colac Area Health to take action against the implicated staff members. This could involve “counseling, training, or disciplinary measures,” she added.
She revealed that Ambulance Victoria is conducting its own investigation after confirming that a fake patient was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Share8 minutes ago18.50 EDTTen individuals posed as patients during Victorian health minister’s visit to urgent care clinicBenita Kolovos
Victoria’s health minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, is addressing the media at parliament following an investigation into…
2024-04-30 17:41:49
Link from www.theguardian.com
